| Principal Investigator |
 Rajesh Kana Ph.D.: My primary research interest is in asking neuroscience questions pertaining to social cognitive and linguistic functions. Perhaps an ideal venue for studying social cognition is autism spectrum disorder, an intriguing disorder marked by cognitive and social impairments. I use neuroimaging to study typical population as well as those with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Link to Publications:
https://www.uab.edu/cbra/images/PDFs/Kana_Publications.pdf |
Graduate Students |
 Lauren Libero: I am graduate student in the Lifespan and Developmental Psychology Program. My research interests include the neural bases of social cognition and communication, particularly within the context of developmental disabilities such as autism. I am also interested in exploring brain connectivity (through fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging) and its relationship with brain function.
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 Donna Murdaugh: I am a doctoral candidate in UAB’s medical/clinical psychology program. I am most interested in blending my clinical knowledge with my research in neuroimaging. I currently work on clinical translational neuroimaging studies in both adults and children with autism spectrum disorders. In particular, I am interested in how language intervention can shape both functional and anatomical changes in brain in language-delayed children with autism. I am also taking a lead in a project examining the default mode network, or the “resting” brain, in children and adults with autism. My focus is on the overlap of the default network and Theory-of-Mind processes, and how this may translate into the behavioral symptoms in autism. I am also investigating whether clinical intervention can effect changes in the default network in autism that may improve their self-referential cognition.
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 Heather Wadsworth: I am a graduate student in the UAB Medical Clinical Psychology Program. My primary interest is in examining language, social development and social cognition in people with autism spectrum disorders. My Masters project examined the brain bases of figurative language comprehension in adults with autism. Currently, I am working on my dissertation project which focuses on investigating the role of mirror neuron system in mediating imitation in children with autism.
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UnderGraduate Students |
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 Constance Doss: I am currently interested in learning about the origins of language in the brain, and to relate this knowledge to communication disorders like autism. I recently graduated from UAB, and plan to attend medical school this coming year. In the future, I hope to use my medical knowledge to conduct clinical-based research.
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 Kavita Nadendla: I am a senior in UAB's University Honors Program and Early Medical School Acceptance Program, pursuing a Biology and Neuroscience double major. I have always had an interest in learning about the human brain and becoming involved in fMRI research has given me a broader view of neuroscience that complements the cellular and molecular focus of my courses.
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 Andrew Rozsa: I am working toward a bachelor's degree in psychology. My research interests involve understanding the autistic mind, so that I might understand myself better in the process. My overall goal is to help families affected by autism understand how to cope with their difficulties. I hope to continue research after I graduate, and would like to pursue my career as a university professor.
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 Jordan Lins: I am currently a junior in the Psychology Honors Program and am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. My primary interest is in studying brain connectivity and its role in autism. My goal is to obtain either a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis, with the hopes of one day being a behavioral therapist for children with autism.
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Staff |
 Rishi Deshpande: After completing graduate degrees in biomedical engineering and electrical engineering, I have focused on fMRI data acquisition and analysis, and how different techniques can be applied to achieve the best possible scientific results. I am actively involved in providing computational and neuroimaging assistance to various projects in the lab.
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 Miranda Morris: I completed a master’s of science degree in Experimental Psychology at Mississippi State University. I am interested in memory, autism, social cognition, and animal cognition. Currently, I am applying my knowledge and interests to coordinate a study evaluating the effect of a language intervention on brain functioning in high-functioning children with autism.
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